"In March, Samuel was the No. 14 overall free agent in ESPN's pre-free-agency rankings. Some team executives considered him the best overall corner in the class. But he went on injured reserve in 2024 and was limited to four games. At the end of that season, Samuel described the injury as a stinger in both shoulders but also a condition he has been dealing with since he was born. It became clear in the spring he needed the procedure."
"It became clear in the spring he needed the procedure. Dr. David Okonkwo, neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers, performed the surgery. Okonkwo and Dr. Nicholas Theodore, also known for his work in spinal trauma, have reviewed Samuel's most recent medical scans. Samuel has 176 tackles and six interceptions in 50 career games (47 starts) since being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round of the 2021 draft."
Asante Samuel Jr. underwent spinal fusion surgery in April and has been medically cleared for football activities. He plans to make free agency visits and is in contact with multiple teams, including clubs seeking cornerbacks before the NFL trade deadline. Samuel was ranked No. 14 among free agents in March and drew praise from some executives as the top corner in the class. He went on injured reserve in 2024 after playing four games and described a longstanding shoulder condition that culminated in the spring procedure. Dr. David Okonkwo performed the surgery, and medical scans were reviewed by Okonkwo and Dr. Nicholas Theodore. Samuel has 176 tackles and six interceptions in 50 career games (47 starts) since being drafted in 2021.
Read at ESPN.com
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